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At first glance, my makeup is quite similar to how it was nearly a decade ago – however, a few small details have changed as I’ve grown older.
I didn’t really get in to makeup until I was about 21 or 22. Sure, I’d tried it as a teenager – but only a bit of foundation and some mascara. Things really changed for me when I discovered the beauty community on YouTube. Once I realised how fun makeup could be, I wanted to try everything my local Boots and Superdrug had to offer.
Now I’m 29, and still watching beauty videos religiously – and even making them myself! Even though I definitely think I have a “style” that’s been consistent over the years, there have been a few changes to compensate for the fine lines I have now, and some of my preferences have evolved over time.
My Eyes
The first thing I notice when I look back on photos of me in my early twenties are my eyebrows. I’ve only just started tinting my eyebrows this year, and I can’t believe it’s taken me this long. I use the Eylure Dybrow Kit in Dark Brown*, and it’s been a huge game-changer. Not only for saving time drawing them in every morning, but maintaining the shape is much easier because I can actually see my brow hairs now.
I know I’m a big fan of neutral eyeshadow palettes, but believe it or not I’m still more adventurous than I was a few years ago. At least nowadays I can entertain the idea of using colour on my eyes! Back in the day, I was happy with one wash of colour. Now I like to create looks with matte transition shades, shimmers on the lid, and highlight in the inner corner. I’ve learned more about eye shapes, too, and been smoking out my eyeshadow a lot more to make up for my hooded eyes.
I’m still not the biggest fan of eyeliner or false lashes, as they can be tricky with my small and hooded eyes. That being said, I will make the effort to wear them from time to time; and if you give me a solid 45 minutes I can probably do them quite well. The trick for me is to stick to gel liner in a pot, like the e.l.f. Cream Eyeliner in Coffee*. For lashes, I’ll pick the smallest and most natural ones I can find; or just stick to individuals.
Shop my Eyes:
My Base
My base is probably the thing that’s changed the most since I was 21, mostly because drugstore makeup has got so much better in that time. Up until about 2015, it was very difficult to buy a foundation that matched my pale skin. As my foundation was always too dark, I either opted for sheer formulas or just didn’t wear it. Oh, how things have changed. I need a solid medium coverage now, or a heck of a lot of concealer to compensate.
It’s still not the easiest task to find a foundation match today – frankly, I don’t know what’s so difficult about making a fair foundation with a neutral undertone – but I know I can rely on the Revolution Fast Base Foundation Stick in the shade F1*. Foundation mixers are a lot easier to find nowadays as well. I use the Obsession Foundation Mixer in Whitening* on a regular basis.
I’ve always had fairly dry skin, but back in the day I found it very difficult to apply foundation. Primers really changed the game for me when they became mainstream. Now I basically can’t do my makeup without the Revolution Baking Oil Primer*, and I really need the AOA Paw Paw Super Soft Wonder Blender* to blend everything in.
Oh, and I wear bronzer now! I never used to do that, but then again I didn’t need to as my foundation was too dark for me. And I shape my face a lot more with contour, too. I’m bigger than I was when I was 21, and need all the help I can get to slim my jawline.
Shop my Base:
My lips
I don’t think I wore lipstick in my early twenties at all. Maybe I had a tinted lip balm, but that was about it. In my mid twenties I loved my dark pink and mauve shades (still do!), but nowadays I just really enjoy a nice, boring brown colour. I didn’t realise until I filmed my Jaclyn Hill Lipstick Dupes Video, but nudes kind of suit me? How did I not figure this out sooner?
I still prefer a more sheer finish, and formulas I can touch-up on the go. If I can throw it on without a mirror, then longevity isn’t really a concern for me. I like the I Heart Revolution Lip Gloss in Salted Caramel* as it goes with pretty much everything, and I keep the Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Lip Balm in Pomegranate* in my handbag at all times. When I do fancy an actual lipstick, I’ll go for something creamy and forgiving like the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Velvet Beige*.
Shop my Lips:
My Collection
I definitely have a lot more makeup now than I did in my early twenties. Drugstore makeup has improved dramatically, and there are brands like Revolution dropping releases often enough to do a good haul once or twice a month. I have such a large collection now that I can’t help but experiment as I’m trying to make use out of everything I own, but at the same time I definitely have a go-to look. I’m not an expert when it comes to makeup by any means, and I’m still learning every single day… but I like to think my technique has improved a bit.
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